Trace element analysis techniques

[ecnerwalc3321]

I have a polymer sample and am interested in qualitatively determining the sulfur (sulfate group) content. Which analytical technique should I consider using? This polymer is not soluble in water but is soluble in THF and toluene. Thanks.

 

[Mike H]

Most of the qualitative tests for sulfur that I can recall off the top of my head involve compounds in aqueous solution. Hopefully someone has a better memory than I!

If you have access to an x-ray fluorescence service of some sort, that's probably your best bet, as XRF is used in a variety of applications (polymers, materials, metals, oils), and any solubility issues should not be a huge difficulty. YMMV.